Autumn may officially begin this weekend - but the summer could return for one final hurrah, say forecasters.

Higher temperatures could be on the way back, bringing an Indian Summer to much of Britain, although we'll experience more autumnal conditions first.

The meteorological autumn begins on September 1, but we could see temperatures soar once again - with the mercury racing into the mid to high-20s C - if a plume of warm air sweeps across the UK from southern Europe, as some weather models are predicting.

There is a chance that the late-summer heat could envelope much of the south and west of the country during next week with high pressure becoming dominant once more.

Low pressure, which is currently influencing the UK’s weather, could be pushed northwards with a ridge of high pressure building in the south allowing another spell of more settled conditions to return.

Read More

Periods of low pressure will still pass to the north of the UK creating more changeable conditions in Scotland and Northern Ireland with some rain at times and there is a risk that occasional outbreaks could edge south disturbing the fine spell.

The heatwave will return by the end of next week (Image: Getty Images)

However, it is more likely that warmer, dry weather will become fixed over the south, whilst the risk of wetter and windy conditions is greater in the north.

"It may become very warm for a time, and with the warmer conditions perhaps spreading further north and west with time."

Met Office's 5 Day Regional Forecast for the South West

Today:

A dry and bright start for most, although one or two mist or fog patches at first, perhaps. Staying mostly dry with sunny spells and light winds, although the odd light shower in the west perhaps. Maximum temperature 21 °C.